As A Local Law Enforcement Official What Can I Do Protect The Public From Rabies
If your jurisdiction has rabies vaccination ordinances and leash laws, enforcing these ordinances will help reduce the risk of rabies in your communities. Enforcing the proper confinement of animals that have bitten a person helps ensure that the animal will not escape during the observation period, so a veterinarian can declare the animal in question healthy. It also minimizes the risk for other people or animals to be exposed to the confined animal and helps prevent people from getting unneeded rabies shots.
What If I Have Livestock Exposed To Rabies
All species of livestock are susceptible to rabies. As with domestic pets, livestock that have been vaccinated for rabies should be revaccinated immediately and observed for 45 days. If the animal has not been vaccinated, it should be euthanized. The animal can be used for human consumption if it is slaughtered within 7 days of exposure, provided liberal amounts of the tissue around the exposed area are discarded. Consult with your veterinarian.
Who Should Not Get The Rabies Vaccine Or Should Wait To Get It
- Tell your healthcare provider if you had a severe allergic reaction to the rabies vaccine or to another vaccine. If you are getting the vaccine before exposure, do not get another dose. After exposure, you need to get all the doses even if you are at risk for an allergic reaction. Your healthcare provider may need to take extra precautions before you get another dose.
- Tell your provider about all of your allergies. Also tell him or her if you have a disease that affects your immune system or you have cancer. Tell him or her if you are taking medicines that affect your immune system or any cancer treatment drug or radiation. Tell him or her if you are ill. You may need to wait to get the vaccine until you feel better.
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Efficacy Effectiveness And Immunogenicity
Efficacy and effectiveness
HDCV or PCECV administered at the same time as RabIg and local treatment are highly effective in preventing rabies in exposed individuals. Failures of post-exposure management have occurred, although almost always after deviation from the recommended post-exposure prophylaxis protocol. No post-exposure prophylaxis failures have occurred in Canada or the US.
Immunogenicity
Pre-exposure immunogenicity
The immunogenicity of PCECV and HDCV for pre-exposure vaccination has been demonstrated in clinical trials. When PCECV was administered according to the recommended immunization schedule, 100% of subjects attained an adequate antibody titre by Day 28 or earlier. Persistence of adequate antibody titres for up to 2 years after immunization with PCECV has been demonstrated. After a three-dose primary series of HDCV, all vaccinees reached an adequate antibody titre. A 10-year follow-up study of subjects who received three doses of HDCV, followed by a booster dose at 1 year, has shown the maintenance of protective antibody up to 5 years in 96.2%. A seroconversion rate of 95.1% was demonstrated in travellers who received three ID injections of HDCV or PCECV, with a booster after 12 months.
Post-exposure immunogenicity
Transmission Of Rabies And Lyssaviruses
Humans can be exposed by:63
- an animal scratch or bite that has broken the skin
- direct contact of the virus with the mucosal surface of a person, such as nose, eye or mouth
- tissue or organ transplantation from donors who died with undiagnosed rabies
It is rare for people to acquire rabies if:
- an animal scratches them
- an animal licks an open wound
- animal saliva contacts intact mucous membranes
Aerosol transmission has never been well documented in the natural environment.64
Transmission of rabies virus to humans through unpasteurised milk may be possible. However, rare reports of transmission by this route have not been confirmed.65
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Our Dog Killed A Skunk And When I Handled The Dog After The Attack It Was All Wet Could I Have Been Exposed To Rabies By Handling The Dog
Although there may have been skunk saliva on the dog, the risk of an actual exposure is very low. The saliva has to enter an open wound or get onto mucous membranes. If this did not happen, there was no rabies exposure. If you think you were exposed, call your health care provider. You will want to test the skunk to see if it was rabid in this situation. The test results will be needed by you and your veterinarian to determine what to do with your dog, and it can be used by you and your health care provider to make a determination about your possible exposure.
Will I Have To Pay For The Rabies Vaccine
You’ll usually have to pay for the rabies vaccine if you need it for protection while travelling.
The vaccine course involves 3 doses. Each dose usually costs around £40 to £60, with a full course typically costing around £120 to £180.
If you need the vaccine because there’s a risk you could be exposed to rabies through your job, your employer should be able to provide it for you free of charge. Ask your employer or occupational health provider about this.
If you regularly handle bats in a voluntary role, you should speak to a GP to see if you are eligible for a free vaccine.
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Purified Chick Embryo Cell Vaccine For Pre
The product information for purified chick embryo cell vaccine states that it is for intramuscular injection only.
ATAGI recommends that the intradermal route is an acceptable alternative to the intramuscular route for pre-exposure prophylaxis.
The product information for purified chick embryo cell vaccine recommends that, for people who are considered to be at ongoing risk of exposure to rabies , a serological test should usually be performed at least every 2 years, with shorter intervals if appropriate to the perceived degree of risk.
ATAGI recommends boosters every 3 years for people at ongoing occupational risk. See People with ongoing occupational exposure to lyssaviruses are recommended to receive booster doses of rabies vaccine in Recommendations.
Serologic And Cerebrospinal Fluid Testing
The Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory is the Canadian rabies reference laboratory. NML conducts testing on serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples from all provinces and territories in Canada with the exception of Ontario, where serological testing is performed by the Public Health Ontario Laboratory .
Following vaccination, neutralizing antibodies begin to develop within seven days and persist for at least two years. For testing vaccine response, NML uses a modified Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization assay, while PHOL uses a modification of the Rapid Fluorescent-Focus Inhibition Test . Both institutions consider the antibody titre of at least 0.5 IU/mL as an acceptable correlate of protection. Protective antibodies are present immediately after passive vaccination with RabIg and have a half-life of approximately 21 days.
Healthy people
Because of the excellent immune response to rabies vaccine, healthy people immunized with an appropriate regimen do not require routine antibody determinations after either pre-exposure or post-exposure rabies vaccination, unless one of the following applies:
People with ongoing high risk of exposure
- Continuous risk -serology should be checked every 6 months.
- Frequent risk – serology should be checked every 2 years.
Others who have less frequent risk of exposure to potentially rabid animals or whose risk is likely to be from a recognized source do not require periodic serologic testing.
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Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
As with any medicine, theres a very small chance that the rabies vaccine can cause a side reaction. But getting a rabies vaccine is much safer than getting rabies itself.
Side effects of the rabies vaccine are usually mild and go away in a few days. They can include:
- Pain, swelling or redness where the shot was given
- Headache
Risks Of A Vaccine Reaction
- Soreness, redness, swelling, or itching at the site of the injection, and headache, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle aches, or dizziness can happen after rabies vaccine.
- Hives, pain in the joints, or fever sometimes happen after booster doses.
People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.
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Are There Any Vaccines For Wild Or Hybrid Animals
At this time no vaccines have been approved for wild or hybrid animals. Although some zoos vaccinate their animals for rabies, this is only done to try to protect the animals from rabies. A wild or hybrid animal that bites a person should be humanely destroyed and the brain submitted for rabies testing. If the animal is a valuable specimen then rabies shots can be given to the exposed person instead of destroying the animal.
About The Rabies Vaccine
The rabies vaccine for humans is available to people who live in places or have jobs that place them at higher risk of coming in contact with rabies, such as veterinarians. Its also available and administered to people after a bite from an animal that could potentially have rabies.
The rabies vaccine for humans is both safe and effective. Its used to prevent rabies before exposure to the virus, and also to combat the virus after exposure to it. A full course of the vaccine provides long-lasting immunity. The rabies vaccine is usually given by injection into the skin or muscle, and if youve been exposed, the vaccination is typically given along with rabies immunoglobulin.
The CDC recommends that people who are at high risk of exposure to rabies be vaccinated before potential exposure to it.
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Initial Symptoms Of Rabies
The rabies prodromal phase lasts up to 10 days. During this phase, the person may experience non-specific symptoms such as:46
- anorexia
- nausea and vomiting
- sore throat
The person may have abnormal sensations or muscle twitches at or near the site of the wound. They may also experience anxiety, agitation and apprehension.
What If The Animal Is Not Available For Observation Or Testing
If you have been bitten or otherwise exposed to the saliva of an animal that is not available for observation or testing, contact your physician, local public health unit or state public health department and local law enforcement. If it was a domestic dog, cat, or ferret, try to locate the animal or the owner of the animal. If the animal cannot be located, speak with your physician, as you may need to start preventive treatment for rabies which will include the rabies vaccine.
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What Is The Rabies Vaccine
The rabies vaccine is an injection given to help prevent infection from the virus that causes rabies. The rabies virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected animal. Dogs, bats, skunks, coyotes, raccoons, and foxes are examples of animals that can carry rabies. The rabies vaccine can protect you from being infected with the virus. The vaccine can also prevent you from developing rabies even if you get it after you were bitten by an infected animal.
When Should I Get A Rabies Vaccine
A rabies vaccine is usually recommended based on a travellers itinerary. If you plan on staying in a country with an elevated risk of rabies for more than two weeks, vaccination is recommended. It is believed up to 60,000 people die every year from rabies worldwide.
You should receive your first pre-exposure rabies vaccine at least 28 days before your trip. Two booster doses are required within 28 days of the first dose. If you cannot complete all three doses before your trip, it is best to abstain from the vaccine.
Post-exposure rabies vaccination is given after a bite or other potential contamination. If you believe you have been exposed to rabies, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
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Human Diploid Cell Vaccine And Pre
The product information for human diploid cell vaccine recommends a routine 6th dose at 90 days in a post-exposure prophylaxis regimen.
ATAGI recommends that people who are immunocompromised can receive a 5th dose at day 28.
ATAGI recommends that people who are immunocompromised and have a VNAb titre < 0.5 IU per mL after the 5th dose of post-exposure prophylaxis can receive further doses.
People At Risk Through Their Work
Vaccination is also recommended for anyone at risk of being exposed to rabies through their job , such as:
- people who regularly handle bats
- people who handle imported animals, such as workers at animal quarantine centres
- laboratory workers who handle rabies samples
If you think this applies to you, speak to your employer or occupational health provider. If you regularly handle bats in a voluntary role, speak to a GP about the rabies vaccine.
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How Can I Protect Myself From Rabies
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Vaccinate your domestic dog, cat, or ferret . For more information on each state’s vaccination laws, please see the American Veterinary Medical Association website.
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Avoid contact with wild or stray animals, and domestic/wild hybrid animals.
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Do not touch dead animals.
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Keep wild animals out of homes, workplaces and other dwellings.
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Report stray, sick, and injured animals to local animal control authorities or law enforcement officials.
How To Administer The Rabies Vaccine
The rabies vaccine can be given subcutaneously or intramuscularly, depending on the species. Although this article focuses on dogs, it is worth mentioning that the vaccination site for cats is important because rabies vaccination can lead to sarcoma formation. Per American Veterinary Medical Association vaccine guidelines, the injection should be given as distally as possible in the right rear leg of cats,4 so that should a tumor form, it can be removed by limb amputation.
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Classical Rabies Virus In Terrestrial Animals
Rabies that is due to classical rabies virus and occurs in terrestrial mammals is present throughout much of Africa, Asia and the Americas, and parts of Europe. In these regions, the virus is maintained in certain species of mammals, particularly dogs.13
In countries where rabies vaccination of domestic animals is widespread , wild animals such as raccoons and foxes are important reservoirs. The continual maintenance of rabies in animal populations in these countries is referred to as enzootic rabies.
A countrys status can change at any time. For example, in 2008 on the island of Bali, Indonesia, rabies was reported in dogs, and cases were later reported in humans.69 Before this, Bali had been considered free from rabies, although rabies was known to occur in other areas of Indonesia.70 Public Health England maintains a list of rabies risk from terrestrial animals by country.
What Are The Side Effects Of The Vaccine
As with most vaccines the most common side effect is soreness and redness at the site of the injection. More severe reactions are rare and often related to allergies to the ingredients in the vaccine. Contact your health care provider if you are having any health effects which you think might be related to the vaccine.
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Adverse Reactions To The Rabies Vaccine
Allergic reactions to rabies vaccines fall into 2 categories, local and systemic, and can range from mild to severe.
Local site reactions cause redness, swelling, pain, and inflammation in the area of injection. These reactions are managed with rest, antihistamines, pain medication, ice packs, monitoring, and possibly benign neglect.
Systemic reactions, less common than local reactions, can be life-threatening. Patients may experience facial swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or lethargy, and the reaction may escalate to full anaphylaxis. Treatment includes antihistamines, steroids, fluid therapy, pain management, and monitoring. The attending veterinarian will decide if this animal is able to receive a vaccine again in the future. To prevent additional reactions, the veterinarian may choose to administer antihistamines as pretreatment to patients that have previously experienced systemic reaction. All vaccine reactions should be reported to the vaccine manufacturer and to your state veterinary board. Vaccine reaction tracking is crucial for identifying possible contamination, bad batches and lot numbers, and for protecting future patients.
Rabies Vaccination For Dogs
Casey Blizzard
BA, CVT
Casey first worked as a kennel attendant and then a veterinary assistant before attending veterinary technician school in 2007. She graduated from Boise State University in 2006 and Colorado Mountain College for Veterinary Technology in 2009. After teaching veterinary technology for 6 years, Casey moved back into private practice and is now the Practice Manager at River City Veterinary Hospital in Meridian, Idaho. She manages a team of around 40 and spends too much money on coffee. She believes that high emotional intelligence among veterinary professionals is the best way to preserve our passion and drive.
As veterinary nurses, taking part in the everyday routine of vaccine appointments can sometimes seem boring and dull. Working with vaccines rarely involves the critical thinking of anesthesia or surgery, the skill of radiology, or the adrenaline of emergency and critical care.
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Side Effects Of The Rabies Vaccine
After having the rabies vaccine, some people have temporary soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site for 24 to 48 hours.
In rare cases, some people also experience:
- a mild high temperature
- a headache
- vomiting
- a rash
The vaccines used in the UK contain an inactive form of the rabies virus, so you cannot catch rabies by being vaccinated.
Page last reviewed: 09 January 2020 Next review due: 09 January 2023
When To Get A Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is a vaccine-preventable disease. A rabies vaccine is available for humans given as pre-exposure prophylaxis or as post-exposure prophylaxis . Pet owners should also be responsible and give their dogs and cats regular rabies vaccines.Rabies is considered a neglected disease that is 100 percent fatal but 100 percent preventable, told former DOH Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial to Smart Parenting. Effective and safe medicines have been available for decades to prevent disease in humans and animals.The Philippine Pediatric Society recommends that families with pet dogs should be given the rabies vaccine even before they are bitten. This is called pre-exposure prophylaxis and is especially recommended for children who may be unaware of the dangers of an animal bite, said the PPS in a rabies fact sheet published on their website.The Rabies Act of 2007 mandates rabies immunization for children aged five to 14 years living in highly endemic areas. It consists of three doses given on days 0, 7, and 21 or 28. If you are a pet owner and have a young child, talk to your childs pediatrician about getting this vaccine.
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